Replying to a question in Lok Sabha today the Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Shri Durgadas Uikey informed that as on date, 728 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) are approved across the country out of which 508 are functional. In Bihar, 03 EMRSs have been approved, of which 02 EMRSs are functional. The inauguration of 43 new EMRSs during 2025-26 is an effort to expand the EMRS network in the country.

 Various steps have been undertaken to enhance the quality of education and sports facilities in EMRSs across the country which are well-equipped classrooms with modern teaching aids, bridge courses, remedial classes science and computer laboratories, libraries with diverse learning resources, playgrounds and sports equipment, facilities for extracurricular activities like music, art, and sports, smart classrooms for digital education, computer labs with internet access, skill development and vocational training programs on apparel, Automotive, AR/VR, AI, Beauty & Wellness, Agriculture, Electronics, and retail to enhance employability, etc.

 To address the issue of vacancies, 9111 teaching & non -teaching staff have already been recruited and examination has been conducted for another batch of 7267 teaching & non -teaching staff for EMRSs across the country. In addition, State Governments have also been advised to depute staff on deputation and contract basis to address the issue of vacancies so that academic activities are not hampered.

In order to bridge the infrastructure gap in EMRSs, several measures have been taken such as Standardised designs ensuring modern academic facilities, hostels, staff quarters, and sports infrastructure; additional grants for upgradation of old schools; regular monitoring through third-party inspections etc.

Further, National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) continuously follows up with the State Governments and the execution agencies to fast-track construction of EMRSs and to make them functional at the earliest. Besides, State Governments have also been advised to make the EMRS functional in alternative buildings, wherever feasible.

 The expansion of EMRSs aligns with the Government's objectives of inclusive education and empowerment of tribal communities in the following manner:

• EMRSs provide access to quality residential education to Scheduled Tribe (ST) students in remote and tribal-dominated areas, thereby reducing educational disparities.
• The scheme promotes equitable access to educational opportunities by providing free education along with boarding and lodging facilities.
• EMRSs focus on the holistic development of tribal students through academic excellence, sports, skill development, and extracurricular activities.
• The scheme enhances educational attainment, employability and leadership potential among tribal youth, contributing to their socio-economic empowerment.
• The expansion of EMRSs supports the Government's commitment to inclusive and accessible education for tribal communities across the country.

RN

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